For a slope of 1/2:1, which description best describes the slope?

For a slope of 1/2:1, which description best describes the slope?

• A. Little horizontal, longer vertical
• B. Little vertical, longer horizontal
• C. Equal horizontal and vertical
• D. Very flat slope

Answer: (A)

The key idea is how to read a slope ratio as rise over run. A slope described as 1/2:1 means there is 1 unit of vertical rise for every 2 units of horizontal movement (rise:run = 1:2). In other words, the horizontal distance is larger than the vertical, so the slope is relatively gentle. The best description is that there is a little vertical, longer horizontal. This is why a slope with rise less than run is considered shallow or flat compared with a 1:1 slope.

The key idea is how to read a slope ratio as rise over run. A slope described as 1/2:1 means there is 1 unit of vertical rise for every 2 units of horizontal movement (rise:run = 1:2). In other words, the horizontal distance is larger than the vertical, so the slope is relatively gentle. The best description is that there is a little vertical, longer horizontal. This is why a slope with rise less than run is considered shallow or flat compared with a 1:1 slope.